Shoe Sole

ABSTRACT

A midsole for an article of footwear comprising a bottom member and a cushioning member. The cushioning member comprising a perimeter element and a central lining element, is lined on top of the bottom member. The midsole is fashioned to provide increased support and improved aeration for the user&#39;s foot. The midsole may be easily adapted for use in a wide variety of women&#39;s and men&#39;s footwear.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an article of footwear, morespecifically, to a shoe sole that provides a user added comfort andbetter aeration for the feet, the shoe sole can be adapted to fit avariety of men's and women's footwear.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Footwear consists of two main parts, the portion responsible forattachment to the foot and the sole. The sole typically comprises theinsole, outsole, and midsole. The insole is directly below the foot andprovides the foot padding to rest upon. The outsole is the portion ofthe sole that contacts the ground, provides traction for the wearer, andis generally made of a harder, more durable material to resist the wearand tear of daily use. The midsole, situated between the insole andoutsole, primarily serves as support for the foot.

Midsoles are typically constructed of conventional foam materials,including polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate, which compress anddampen to provide cushioning when the wearer applies force and returnresiliently to a substantially predetermined shape after the force isremoved. The use of such foam material has become widespread due to itsavailability and ease of manipulation during the footwear'smanufacturing process. The use of such foam material, however, hascertain drawbacks. First, as the foam has a uniform density, to increaseor decrease the amount of cushioning depends solely on the thickness ofthe layer of foam, which reduces flexibility and may create aestheticproblems for footwear designers. Second, the total weight of thefootwear is proportional to the amount of foam used. Lastly, althoughthe foam reverts back to a substantially predetermined shape, thisability is lost over continued use as the foam deteriorates, resultingin decreased rebound and cushioning.

A midsole having sections of foam removed leaving apertures within themidsole has already been designed to address the issues of reducedflexibility and weight. However, the problem of foam deterioration isnot addressed. Further, as the apertures are merely voids in the foam,the midsole does not achieve rebound and cushioning effect to the extentpossible. Others have utilized hollow tubes embedded into the foam foradded rebound and cushioning. Although this may increase the cushioningand support characteristics of the footwear, it does very little inaddressing the problems of weight and of foam deterioration.

Other midsoles have incorporated a “bladder” or air-filled elasticcushioning devices into the midsole. Such bladders are encapsulatedwithin the foam of the midsole. The cushioning characteristics, however,depend on the compressibility of the bladder, which is hindered becauseit is completely surrounded by the foam material. Others have furtherincorporated air gaps surrounding the bladder which allows for greatercompressibility. Even so, these approaches only partially address theweight issue and do not address the problem of foam deterioration.

Still others have used a gas-filled tube disposed about the perimeter ofthe shoe. Utilizing a tube around the perimeter eliminates the need fora layer of foam cushioning material in the midsole. Thus, the problem ofweight, flexibility, and foam deterioration is addressed. The flaw ofthis design, however, is the reliance of the peripheral tubing toprovide support for the entire foot. Without a form of additionalcushioning below the heel, the tube would be subject to additionalstress at the portion of the tube in the heel.

Some shoes today rely on the breathability of the upper shoe material toallow air circulation throughout the foot area. This may be sufficientfor shoe uppers made of canvas or other porous materials. However manyother shoes utilize upper materials that allow for little to nobreathability which results in heat and in some cases moisturedepositing at the forefront of the shoe where the air cannot escape. Apast approach to this problem is to incorporate valves into the midsoleto allow airflow through the sole where it can diffuse through theinsole to the wearer's foot. The flaw of this invention is that itrelies on the permeability of the shoe insole.

Another approach is to incorporate a plurality of side-by-sidevertically placed columns within the midsole, which when compressedproduces a bulging action between the columns and pushes air through theinsole to the wearer's foot. The problem with this invention is theamount of air that can be forced through the insole is limited to theamount of space between the small columns, thus providing very littlecirculation. In addition, these inventions fail to address both the aircirculation problem and the cushioning effect.

There is a need in the art, therefore, for creating midsoles that notonly provide support and comfort, but also provide aeration for thewearer's feet. The prior approach is primarily focused on midsolesconstructed of conventional foam materials which compress and dampenwhen force is applied and return to a predetermined shape after theforce is removed.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention toprovide an improved midsole that is not only comfortable and supportivebut provides better aeration for the foot.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved midsolethat is not comprised of foam material.

Further objects of the invention will become apparent from the followingdescription.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention solve the problems and addressthe drawbacks of the approaches in the above description. An embodimentof the present invention is a midsole for an article of footwearcomprising a bottom member and a cushioning member. The cushioningmember comprising a perimeter element and a central lining element, islined on top of the bottom member. The perimeter element and centrallining element are in fluid connection with each other. A number ofraised protrusions are fixed on top of the central lining element forproviding increased airflow through the sole.

In a further embodiment, the midsole is disposed within an article offootwear. The article of footwear comprises an upper portion, anoutsole, a midsole, and an insole. The upper portion may be made ofconventional materials for covering the foot. The midsole may be adaptedfor use in women's and men's footwear.

Some of the many advantages of the present invention include increasedcomfort for the wearer, and added air circulation about the foot.Another advantage is that the midsole of the present invention is easilymanufactured and utilizes readily available materials.

These and other embodiments of the present invention are further madeapparent, in the remainder of the present document, to those of ordinaryskill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more fully describe embodiments of the present invention,reference is made to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are notto be considered limitations in the scope of the invention, but aremerely illustrative.

FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a basic structure of amidsole according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a midsole disposed withinan article of footwear.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The description above and below and the drawings of the present documentfocus on one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention andalso describe some exemplary optional features and/or alternativeembodiments. The description and drawings are for the purpose ofillustration and not limitation. Those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize variations, modifications, and alternatives. Such variations,modifications, and alternatives are also within the scope of the presentinvention. Section titles are terse and are for convenience only.

An embodiment of the present invention includes a midsole 10, as shownin FIG. 1. Midsole 10 comprises a bottom member 5 and a cushioningmember 1. Bottom member 5 has a heel portion 5 c, an arch portion 5 b,and a fore portion 5 a. Bottom member 5 may be made of a conventionalmaterial used in shoe sole construction such as plastic, natural rubber,synthetic rubber, polyurethane, thermoplastic urethane, thermoplasticrubber, carbon-black rubber, or polyvinyl chloride. Cushioning member 1includes a perimeter element 2 and a central lining element 3.Cushioning member 1 is lined on top of bottom member 5. Perimeterelement 2 is comprised of a substantially tubular chamber disposed aboutan entire outside edge of bottom member 5. Perimeter element 2 mayinclude a fluid-filled tube disposed about a perimeter of bottom member5 defining a central region. Perimeter element 2 may be fixed to theupper surface of bottom member 5 by adhesives, heat fusing or othermeans. Central lining element 3 is comprised of a plurality ofsubstantially tubular chambers in parallel arrangement. The tubularchambers in parallel arrangement extend in a generally perpendiculardirection with respect to a longitudinal axis 100 of midsole 10. Each ofthe tubular chambers in parallel arrangement comprising central liningelement 3 is fluidly connected to perimeter element 2. Perimeter element2 and central lining element 3 may be made of a conventional materialsuch as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, thermoplastic rubber,polyvinyl chloride, or silicone.

With further reference to FIG. 1, a plurality of protrusions 4 are fixedto an outside surface of each of the tubular chambers in parallelarrangement 3. Protrusions 4 may comprise of dimples placed on theoutside surface of central lining element 3, thus creating bumps on theoutside surface. Protrusions 4 may aid air circulation within midsole 10by creating air channels around central lining element 3. The tubularchambers in parallel arrangement comprising central lining element 3 arenot secured to bottom member 5. No additional element for cushioning,such as foam, is disposed between bottom member 5 and cushioning member1. Also, no additional element for cushioning is disposed between thetubular chambers in parallel arrangement 3. Thus, the embodiment of thepresent invention results in decreased overall weight and addedflexibility of midsole 10.

In alternative embodiments, the number of chambers in parallelarrangement may vary depending on the nature and type of the footwear,for adjusting the cushioning characteristics of midsole 10. For example,the number of tubular chambers in parallel arrangement 3 may beincreased for activities such as, running and basketball, which requireadditional support and cushioning beyond that of a typical shoe. Byincreasing the number of tubular chambers in parallel arrangement 3,midsole 10 gains additional resistance. Likewise, a reduction in thenumber of tubular chambers in parallel arrangement 3 reduces resistanceof midsole 10.

In other embodiments, the wall thickness of some or all of the tubularchambers in parallel arrangement 3 as well as the tubular chambercomprising the perimeter element 2 may vary to influence cushioningcharacteristics of midsole 10. The strength and resiliency of thechambers is commensurate with the wall thickness of the tubularchambers. As wall thickness increases, the chamber may becomeincreasingly resistant. Thus, varying the compression and resiliency ofcushioning member 1. Some footwear may require extra support for theheel region of the sole. In which case, the tubular chambers fixed ontop of heel portion 5 c of bottom member 5 may have a greater wallthickness than the tubular chambers fixed on top of fore portion 5 a ofbottom member 5.

In another embodiment, cushioning member 1 may be pressurized with a gasto further add resistance beyond the resistance of the chambers alone.The pressure of the gas may be above ambient air pressure and may betuned depending on the intended use of the article of footwear.

Referring now to FIG. 2, is an article of footwear 20 incorporating amidsole 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Footwear20 comprises an upper portion 23, an outsole 26, a midsole 10, and aninsole member 21. Midsole 10 attaches to an upper surface of outsole 26.Insole member 21 is disposed between midsole 10 and upper portion 23.Upper portion 23 may attach to insole member 21 by adhesives, heatfusing, sewing, or other means.

Upper portion 23 is adapted for covering the whole foot or part of thefoot. Upper portion 23 may be made of material including leather, suede,vinyl, canvas, cloth, or plastic.

Midsole 10 comprises a bottom member 5 and a cushioning member 1. Bottommember 5 has a heel portion 5 c, an arch portion 5 b, and a fore portion5 a. Cushioning member 1 includes a perimeter element 2 and a centrallining element 3. Cushioning member 1 is lined on top of bottom member5. Perimeter element 2 is comprised of a substantially tubular chamberdisposed about an entire outside edge of bottom member 5. Perimeterelement 2 may be fixed to the upper surface of bottom member 5 byadhesives, heat fusing or other means. Central lining element 3 iscomprised of a plurality of substantially tubular chambers in parallelarrangement. The tubular chambers in parallel arrangement extend in agenerally perpendicular direction with respect to a longitudinal axis100 of midsole 10. Each of the tubular chambers in parallel arrangementcomprising central lining element 3 is fluidly connected to perimeterelement 2. A plurality of protrusions 4 are fixed to an outside surfaceof each of the tubular chambers in parallel arrangement 3. Protrusions 4may comprise of dimples placed on the outside surface of central liningelement 3, thus creating bumps on the outside surface. The tubularchambers in parallel arrangement comprising central lining element 3 arenot secured to bottom member 5.

Insole member 21 comprises an upper lining 21 b and a lower lining 21 a.Upper lining 21 b provides the wearer a medium for the foot to restupon. Upper lining 21 b may comprise of material that is soft,stretchable, and breathable to ensure comfort for the wearer and toallow air to pass through. Lower lining 21 a may comprise of semi-rigidmaterial such as, compressed cardboard or leather. Lower lining 21 a mayalso include apertures for allowing air to circulate between insolemember 21 and midsole 10. Lower lining 21 a is attached to an innerperimeter of cushioning member 1. Inner perimeter is defined by adistance around an inside edge 25 of perimeter element 2. Upper lining21 b is disposed on top of lower lining 21 a and attaches to an outerperimeter of cushioning member 1. Outer perimeter is defined by adistance around an outside edge 24, of perimeter element 2.

Outsole 26 includes an upper surface and a bottom surface. Outsole 26may be comprised of material such as, plastic, natural rubber, syntheticrubber, polyurethane, thermoplastic urethane, thermoplastic rubber,carbon-black rubber, polyvinyl chloride, or other common shoe outsolematerial. The bottom surface may be comprised of a harder, more durablematerial to resist the wear and tear of everyday use. The bottom surfaceis in constant direct contact with the ground. Alternatively, bottommember 5 may also serve as an outsole, thus removing the need for aseparate layer.

By incorporating midsole 10 into article of footwear 20, midsole 10provides added aeration to the foot during activity. During activity,the weight of the wearer compresses the tubular chambers comprisingperimeter element 2 and central lining element 3. In doing so, thewearer also compresses the amount of space between the tubular chambersin parallel arrangement resulting in air being forced out of the spaceand moving in through the apertures of lower lining 21 a. The air maythen escape through the breathable material of upper lining 21 b andthen distributed about the foot. Thus, keeping the foot cool and free ofmoisture.

The embodiments of the present invention may be readily incorporatedinto athletic shoes, dress shoes, casual shoes, boots, or other types offootwear for both men and women.

Throughout the description and drawings, example embodiments are givenwith reference to specific configurations. It will be appreciated bythose of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention can beembodied in other specific forms. Those of ordinary skill in the artwould be able to practice such other embodiments without undueexperimentation. The scope of the present invention, for the purpose ofthe present patent document, is not limited merely to the specificexample embodiments of the foregoing description, but rather isindicated by the appended claims. All changes that come within themeaning and range of equivalents within the claims are intended to beconsidered as being embraced within the spirit and scope of the claims.

1. A midsole for an article of footwear, the midsole comprising: abottom member having a having a heel portion, an arch portion, a foreportion, and an outside edge; and a cushioning member lined on top ofthe bottom member, the cushioning member having a perimeter element anda central lining element, wherein the perimeter element is comprised ofa substantially tubular chamber disposed about the entire outside edgeof the bottom member, and the central lining element is comprised of aplurality of substantially tubular chambers in parallel arrangement andextending generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the midsole,the central lining element having a fluid connection with the perimeterelement, and a plurality of protrusions fixedly securing to an outsidesurface of the central lining element.
 2. The midsole of claim 1 whereinthe bottom member is made up of material selected from the groupconsisting of plastic, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polyurethane,thermoplastic urethane, thermoplastic rubber, carbon-black rubber, andpolyvinyl chloride.
 3. The midsole of claim 1 wherein the perimeterelement is made up of material selected from the group consisting ofnatural rubber, synthetic rubber, thermoplastic rubber, polyvinylchloride, and silicone.
 4. The midsole of claim 1 wherein the centrallining element is made up of material selected from the group consistingof natural rubber, synthetic rubber, thermoplastic rubber, polyvinylchloride, and silicone.
 5. The midsole of claim 1 wherein the cushioningmember contains a gas.
 6. The midsole of claim 5 wherein the gas ispressurized above ambient air pressure.
 7. The midsole of claim 1wherein the tubular chambers in parallel arrangement comprising thecentral lining element have a wall thickness greater than a wallthickness of the tubular chamber comprising the perimeter element. 8.The midsole of claim 1 wherein the tubular chamber comprising theperimeter element has a wall thickness greater than a wall thickness ofthe tubular chambers in parallel arrangement.
 9. The midsole of claim 1wherein the tubular chambers in parallel arrangement fixed on top of theheel portion of the bottom member have a wall thickness greater than awall thickness of the tubular chambers in parallel arrangement fixed ontop of the fore portion of the bottom member.
 10. The midsole of claim 1wherein the protrusions are a plurality of dimples fixed on an outsidesurface of the tubular chambers in parallel arrangement.
 11. An articleof footwear comprising: an upper portion for covering a foot; an outsolehaving an upper surface and a bottom surface; a midsole assemblycomprising: a bottom member having a heel portion, an arch portion, afore portion, and an outside edge, wherein the bottom member is attachedto the upper surface of the outsole; and a cushioning member lined ontop of the bottom member, the cushioning member having a perimeterelement and a central lining element, wherein the perimeter element iscomprised of a substantially tubular chamber disposed about the entireoutside edge of the bottom member, and the central lining element iscomprised of a plurality of substantially tubular chambers in parallelarrangement and extending generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axisof the midsole, the central lining element having a fluid connectionwith the perimeter element, and a plurality of protrusions fixedlysecuring to an outside surface of the central lining element; and aninsole member fixed on top of the cushioning member, the insole membercomprising a lower lining and an upper lining, wherein the lower lininghaving a plurality of apertures is attached to an inner perimeter of thecushioning member, the inner perimeter is defined by a distance aroundan inside edge of the perimeter element, and the upper lining comprisingof a substantially stretchable and breathable material is disposed ontop of the lower lining and attaches to an outer perimeter of thecushioning member, the outer perimeter is defined by a distance aroundan outside edge of the perimeter element.
 12. The article of footwear ofclaim 11 wherein the bottom member is made up of material selected fromthe group consisting of plastic, natural rubber, synthetic rubber,polyurethane, thermoplastic urethane, thermoplastic rubber, carbon-blackrubber, and polyvinyl chloride.
 13. The article of footwear of claim 11wherein the perimeter element is made up of material selected from thegroup consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, thermoplasticrubber, polyvinyl chloride, and silicone.
 14. The article of footwear ofclaim 11 wherein the central lining element is made up of materialselected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber,thermoplastic rubber, polyvinyl chloride, and silicone.
 15. The articleof footwear of claim 11 wherein the cushioning member contains a gas.16. The article of footwear of claim 15 wherein the gas is pressurizedabove ambient air pressure.
 17. The article of footwear of claim 11wherein the tubular chambers in parallel arrangement comprising thecentral lining element have a wall thickness greater than a wallthickness of the tubular chamber comprising the perimeter element. 18.The article of footwear of claim 11 wherein the tubular chambercomprising the perimeter element has a wall thickness greater than awall thickness of the tubular chambers in parallel arrangementcomprising the central lining element.
 19. The article of footwear ofclaim 11 wherein the tubular chambers in parallel arrangement fixed ontop of the heel portion of the bottom member have a wall thicknessgreater than a wall thickness of the tubular chambers in parallelarrangement fixed on top of the fore portion of the bottom member. 20.The article of footwear of claim 11 wherein the protrusions are aplurality of dimples fixed on an outside surface of the tubular chambersin parallel arrangement.